Franco Baresi, Renowned Italian Defender, Passes Away at 66

MILAN – Franco Baresi, renowned former captain of AC Milan and one of Italy’s most celebrated defenders, passed away at the age of 66. The announcement was made on Friday by Milan, the club where he spent his entire 20-year playing career. The cause of death was not disclosed.

The entire history of AC Milan is in tears, Milan stated.

In August 2025, Baresi had undergone surgery to remove a pulmonary nodule, followed by a course of immunotherapy. His last public appearance was during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony in February. Alongside former Inter Milan defender Giuseppe Bergomi, Baresi carried the torch into the San Siro, a stadium he knew well from his playing days.

His example and integrity will be forever etched into the club’s DNA, just as his iconic number 6 shirt is, Milan emphasized. The condolences AC Milan extends to Franco Baresi’s family at such a difficult time are shared by every Rossonero, who feels this loss as their own.

Baresi played for Italy’s national team, which won the World Cup in 1982. With the passing of Franco Baresi, Italy loses not only one of the greatest champions in its sports history, but also an example of loyalty, professionalism, and dedication, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni commented.

A Devoted One-Club Player

Baresi was regarded as one of the best defenders ever, having spent his entire career with Milan. He made his debut for the first team at 17 in April 1978. Despite Milan’s relegation to Serie B in 1982, Baresi remained loyal to the club, receiving the captaincy at 22, just before helping Italy win the World Cup that same year.

Throughout his career, Baresi made over 700 appearances for Milan, leading the team to global recognition during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His accolades included three Champions League trophies, six Serie A titles, two Intercontinental Cups, three European Supercups, and four Italian Supercups.

Milan’s owner, Gerry Cardinale, stated, Franco embodied the values, character, and excellence that define this club. His legacy is profound and will endure forever. Our thoughts are with his family and all those whose lives he touched.

In his final interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Baresi fondly remembered his early days, recalling, When I arrived at Milanello (Milan’s training center) as a 14-year-old, it felt like entering paradise.

First Jersey to Be Retired in Italian Soccer

Baresi also helped Italy secure a runners-up position in the 1994 World Cup. During the final, he missed a penalty in the shootout against Brazil. In 1989, he finished as a runner-up to Marco van Basten in the Ballon d’Or awards.

Upon retiring in 1997, Milan retired his No. 6 jersey, marking a first in Italian soccer. The club held a celebration match in his honor, attended by numerous soccer stars.

In 2020, Baresi became Milan’s honorary president. Italian soccer has lost one of its legends, remarked Italian soccer federation president Giovanni Malagò. We will have a tribute to remember him the next time the national team plays.

A Brotherly Rivalry

Baresi’s path to greatness could have been different. Initially, he had trials at Inter Milan, who rejected him in favor of his older brother, Giuseppe. Franco then joined AC Milan, their city rivals, where he would become a legend. Giuseppe also captained his team, and the two brothers exchanging pennants became a defining image of the Milan derby in the late 1980s.

Recalling his own early days, former Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon shared, On November 19, 1995, I made my Serie A debut against Milan. I was 17 years old, and on the other side was the captain of that team: Franco Baresi. From that day on, I understood what it meant to represent football with class, leadership, and respect. Ciao Franco. Rest in peace.